Pain is an inescapable part of life. As human beings, we can and do experience many different types of pain. While nearly every person has experienced the physical pain of an injury, that type of pain can vary greatly in intensity and duration. Others of us may suffer from a chronic or unrelenting pain which can be debilitating! Chronic pains can result from injuries, but are far from being their sole cause.
Emotional pain is also very real. It can, as well, inhibit a person in their day-to-day life functioning, no matter the cause.
As human beings, it is our nature to heal or relieve pains within our bodies and our lives! Many persons are prescribed medications to alleviate their pain. Often, those same persons develop a dependency upon those same medications they use to avoid, alleviate, or dull their chronic pain issues. In every case, it is fair to say that it is within each and every one of us to attempt reducing or, if possible, healing our own pain and discomfort, whether physical or emotional in nature.
It is obvious that opioid-based pain killers such as Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Fentanyl were never capable of providing any effective long-term solutions to managing pain. However, in recent years, new studies have found that a strong mind-body bond exists that allows for implementing new, behaviors in order to provide relief.
Many current healthcare professionals believe that the key to real mind-body healing begins with mindfulness!
Buddhist teachings have proven that both the body and mind can be healed through regular mindful exercise.
The physiological changes that result from a mindful exercise practice are numerous! A mindful approach to everyday life encourages detachment and allows for a more thoughtful approach to dealing with stressful situations. That approach has shown to reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, levels within the body.
And that’s just the beginning! Maintaining a regular yoga or meditation practice can inspire new creativity! The brains of persons who meditate have been shown to, often, have a more active neocortex, the area of the brain where problem-solving abilities are enacted and also the one which spurs creative thought. ‘Listening’ is, as well, a mindfulness skill that also promotes empathy and detachment.
The tools needed by anyone to achieve a more conscious and mindful lifestyle already exist. If you believe that meditation, yoga and breathing techniques are a hoax, then you owe it to yourself to discover the truths being proven invaluable by millions of people every day! It is often said that real and significant change can most often be found at the ‘edge of your comfort zone’. Become mindful that you are willing to go there!
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